An Open Letter From Cindy Shogan

Dear Friends of Alaska Public Lands and Waters:

If you’re like me, you’re still reeling from the election results. Starting in early 2017 Alaska’s vast and beautiful public lands will be under the jurisdiction of a Republican president, a Republican-controlled Senate and a Republican-controlled House.

What’s more, the newly-elected Trump administration and the Alaska delegation have come out swinging to drill in the Arctic. Trump’s transition team has stated, “Rather than continuing the current path to undermine and block America’s fossil fuel producers, the Trump Administration will encourage the production of these resources by opening onshore and offshore leasing on federal lands and waters.” And, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said, “Well, as you know, we have been working to advance ANWR for decades now…if the numbers continue for us with the Senate and you have a president who has expressed support, I will be chairing the energy committee again, and I am going to look to push that early on.” U.S. Rep. Don Young said he also plans to pursue legislation to open the refuge to drilling when the new Congress convenes in January. There’s no doubt that we will be playing a lot of defense and shoring up support with our allies when the new year rolls around.

But, we have been up against difficult odds in the past. We fought the uphill battle for protections before and we excel at it. During George W. Bush’s presidency, we turned back countless attacks on America’s Arctic. We can do it again. With your help, we can make sure that the lands and waters of Alaska will remain brimming with life and beauty.

And, we need help from our friends, like you. Your voice will counter the threats ahead. We need you to raise it immediately, before they can destroy the wild places we all want to protect. We cannot afford to step back and wait to see exactly what the new administration will do.

For more than 20 years we have fought to protect the amazing wild lands and waters of Alaska. We have a new political landscape, but we will not give up. We hope that you will stand strong with us. Today is a new day and we will continue to be the constant, victorious voice for public lands and waters in Alaska.

Alaska Wilderness League leads the effort to preserve Alaska’s wild lands and waters by engaging citizens and decision makers with a courageous, constant, victorious voice for Alaska. Visit the website of our sister organization Alaska Wilderness Action to learn more about its legislative and political advocacy to protect Alaska’s wild places.